[The computer tomographic appearances of subdural empyemas (author's transl)]

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Subdural empyema is a serious intracranial infection.
• Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the characteristic computed tomographic (CT) findings of subdural empyemas.
• To correlate CT findings with clinical presentation and outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 17 cases with confirmed subdural empyema.
• Analysis of CT scans, focusing on empyema morphology, location, and associated findings.
• Correlation with contrast enhancement patterns.

Main Results:

• Subdural empyemas presented as sickle-shaped, low-attenuation collections beneath the calvarium.
• A thin, enhancing opacity separated the empyema from the brain surface.
• Associated findings included localized brain swelling (encephalitis) in most cases, often causing a mass effect greater than the empyema itself.

Conclusions:

• CT is effective in diagnosing subdural empyemas.
• The characteristic CT appearance includes a crescentic collection with a contrast-enhancing rim.
• Associated encephalitis is a common finding and can significantly influence the imaging presentation.